An explosion suspected to have been carried out by Boko Haram, a violent extremist group operating mainly in northeastern Nigeria, struck a Juma’at Mosque in Gamboru Ward near the Customs area of Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, barely hours before Christmas celebrations.
The incident occurred at about 6:10 p.m. while Muslim worshippers were observing the Maghrib prayer, one of the five daily Islamic prayers observed shortly after sunset. The blast reportedly originated from an improvised explosive device, a weapon commonly used by insurgent groups in the region.
Okay News reports that residents who spoke by telephone said the explosion caused multiple casualties, with several worshippers feared killed while others sustained varying degrees of injuries. As of the time of filing this report, no official casualty figure had been released by authorities.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force in Borno State, Assistant Superintendent of Police Nahum Daso, said he could not immediately confirm details of the incident, explaining that he was en route to the scene to assess the situation and gather firsthand information.
The explosion has heightened fear and anxiety across Maiduguri, particularly among Christian residents preparing for the 2025 Christmas celebrations. Borno State has endured years of insurgency linked to Boko Haram, which has targeted religious institutions, markets, and security formations in the past.
Security operatives, including police officers and other emergency responders, have cordoned off the affected area to prevent further casualties and to enable a preliminary investigation. Authorities are expected to issue a detailed statement as more information becomes available.
